Digital Preamps

[filmfreak]

I was wondering if anyone is familiar with digital preamps and the various unique sonic elements that different brands offer. I 've tried a number of
different analogue preamps in my life and can  audition the differences of an SSL preamp and a more commercial Tascam preamp as well as the
transparency of a Sonosax one but I am not much experienced on digital preamps. 
Has anyone compared the digital preamp offerings from Schoeps, Lake People and Audio root ?
I am  particularly interested on compact preamp offerings rather than 1 U units.
Is anyone aware of the current draw required for Digital Phantom Powering and whether DPP restricts on board batteries on compact units ( i.e. DPP needs an external power source ).
Since A/D is always taking place in the mic with digital mics, do digital preamps play as an important role as analogue ones ?

Best

[Constantin]

Since A/D is always taking place in the mic with digital mics, do digital preamps play as an important role as analogue ones ?

Best

No they do not. These units are not preamps, but powering boxes to provide phantom power and sometimes they can convert the signal, too.

A boost can be applied in the digital domain, usually in the recorder, but this won't affect the signal.

I don't know about mobile options. The Schoeps unit is pretty small.

I have a battery powered in line module by Neumann, which also converts the signal to AES3, but I'm not sure they still make it.

It is very small, but I never use it, as I can connect digital mics straight to my recorder.

The SuperCMIT draws 170mA at 10V. The V is standardized, not sure about the A

[filmfreak]

Thanks for the insight Constantin

In my mind I was thinking that Digital preamps do not serve the sonic signature in the way that analogue do, especially since all the A/D is happening in the mic it self.
Regarding the Neumann mobile unit, it's advantages include  tweaking the limiter settings and a couple of more options which can be useful in extreme conditions, mot of the factory settings are best suited for the majority of circumstances.

Best

[Constantin]

Yes, of course, these boxes are not preamps, which is what I was trying to say. They are simply powering/converter boxes.

I was not referring to the DMI, but to this:

https://www.neumann.com/?lang=en&id=current_accessories&cid=db_current_accessories&dbid=164

When I bought it, I got it with a Sennheiser battery pack so it's totally mobile

However, you cannot change any settings with it

[filmfreak]

Cool, I was not aware of this accessory
How long does the battery last and which would be it's charge up time Constantin ?

Thank you 

[Constantin]

Cool, I was not aware of this accessory

How long does the battery last and which would be it's charge up time Constantin ?

Thank you 

I don't know, like I said, I don't actually use it and never have. Just once to try it out, but didn't check for runtime. It may also depend on the mic connected. The batterypack holds 3 or 4 regular AA batteries. I haven't been able to find the exact product on Sennheiser's website, but if you are really curious, I am sure you could find it. It also shouldn't be too difficult to build something yourself

[filmfreak]

Thanks Constantin 
I 'll look into it and some other options I have in mind
Appreciate your time and feedback

Best